Minerva McGonagall glanced at the odd new DADA teacher. "Do you not know anything about the Wizarding World?"
"Not locally," admitted Jiraiya. "Entirely different customs."
"Then how are you going to teach Defense Against The Dark Arts?" asked McGonagall.
"In my own fashion actually," said Jiraiya with a suitable grin. "Not going to answer the question, are you?"
"I'm not exactly the best authority for you on the matter," said McGonagall. "I'm Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher."
"Hang on, is that big bug over there dangerous?" asked Jiraiya, nodding his head towards a wall.
"Uhm, actually," said Minerva, seeing a large spider where there shouldn't be one. "Those are quite poisonous." And this one was large enough to pose a danger to any cats nearby.
No wand was raised. The odd man raised two fingers up to rest just below his mouth, and then breathed a stream of flames which reduced the acromantula spawn to a crispy husk which dropped a second later.
Minerva McGonagall blinked. "No wand?" He hadn't burned the wall either, which bespoke enormous control over a normally rambunctious element.
"In an actual combat situation, such as when you're dealing with an enemy ambush or poisonous spider - every second is precious," said Jiraiya, who was quite aware he was being judged. "Being able to send a simple attack like that off can give you a few seconds to prepare."
"I see," said Minerva McGonagall, nodding. She in fact DID see. If someone attacked you and you could throw fire at them, it could distract the opponent long enough for you to get your own wand out. While she still had serious reservations about the foreign teacher here in Hogwarts, that DID manage to establish some credibility.
"Oh, here you are," said another woman, entering the lounge. "Professor Jiraiya, isn't it?"
"Indeed," said Jiraiya. "New Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. And you?"
"Professor Bethesda Babbling," said the wiry-thin woman with a large nose and thick glasses. "You really should make the rounds and get acquainted with everyone."
"I suppose I should," admitted Jiraiya. "Professor?"
"Yes, I'll fill you on those details you asked for on a later occasion, I think," said McGonagall with a nod.
Jiraiya paused as an enormous man went off on some sort of flying vehicle from Hogwarts.
"Something wrong?" asked Severus Snape, coming up behind Jiraiya.
"Ah, Professor Snape," said Jiraiya, inclining his head towards the severely dressed Potions instructor. "No, just noticing that sensible contraption."
"'Sensible'?" asked Snape, a sneer beginning. "How is that ridiculous contraption sensible?"
"Padded seat," said Jiraiya. "I notice most of the brooms used for flying are just a hardwood rod where you sit down. I'd imagine after several hours of flying like that it'd be quite uncomfortable."
Snape opened his mouth, paused, visibly thought about it, then nodded to concede that point. "Perhaps. I have seen saddles used on some models of flying broom. I however find that gallavanting around in the air like that is more a passion of the young. There are other methods available that are more time and energy efficient."
"Perhaps," said Jiraiya. "Certainly more dignified. Yet I would think it would have its uses. As well as a certain style."
"Perhaps," said Severus.
"Oh no, that won't do at all," said Madam Rolanda Hooch. "You need equipment for your first day here and don't even have a wand? No, we really must do something about this."
Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, wondering how the boy had managed to befriend two of the teachers here already. "Well, there's a problem. I have some money, Naruto does as well, but neither is even close to the local currency."
Charity Burbage nodded at that herself. While she was mainly an assistant to the Muggle Studies department at present, she WAS the professor in charge of the Muggle Music class. "I've got the least prepwork to do, Rolanda. I'll pop off to Diagon Alley with young Naruto here and make sure he's set up proper."
"Excellent," said Madam Hooch, nodding once. It was hard not to like Charity Burbage, despite her oft-controversial stance on interacting with muggles. She was, after all, a hard worker who came across as quite sincerely friendly and responsible. It also didn't hurt that she was excellent in Potions and a wonder in the kitchen. When teatime came around she usually had an extra cucumber sandwich or two, or some other typical traditional snack for the occasion.
"Don't worry about the expense," Charity assured Jiraiya. "I'll just keep a running tally and you can pay back when your wages come in. Just don't go dying off."
"Not that bit about the 'DADA curse' again," said Minerva McGonagall from where she had seated herself during the introductions to Professor Jiraiya.
"What exactly does he need?" asked Jiraiya.
"Accio Hogwarts Invitation," said Charity, her wand making the appropriate gesture. Paperwork flew to her hand, which she then handed off.
"Hmmm," said Jiraiya, quickly checking the second page. "First year students will require three sets of plain black robes, one plain pointed hat, one pair of protective gloves, one winter cloak, a list of books, wand, cauldron, a set of crystal or glass vials, a telescope, brass scales, an animal... toad?"
"Yes, you're allowed a toad - though any familiar will do," admitted Rolanda Hooch. "Owl, cat, and toad are simply the most traditional."
"Many don't bring one at all," noted Charity. "That part is strictly optional."
"No, I can manage a toad on my own," said Naruto.
"Oh, and a first-year cannot bring their own broomstick," said Madam Hooch. "That's a very old rule, as the students are meant to familiarize themselves with versions that do not bear individual tweaks or nonstandard features."
"Robes?" asked Naruto. "Can't I just wear what I'm wearing?"
"You have a problem with robes?" asked Professor McGonagall, raising an eyebrow.
"If I jump anywhere or fly, I'm gonna be kinda exposed," pointed out Naruto.
"The robes are outerwear, Mister Uzumaki," said Professor McGonagall. "It is quite acceptable to wear clothing underneath that layer."
"Well, let's get a move on, young Mister Uzumaki," said Professor Burbage. "We'll floo into Diagon Alley and see you equipped for your stay."
Naruto felt a moment of disorientation as he reappeared in an entirely different chimney than he'd been a moment ago.
"You want to get out of there as soon as you can move," advised Charity Burbage. "Otherwise it can get messy."
"Okay, I s'pose," said Naruto, his eyes flicking over the area. It was an area of heavy traffic.
"Oi! Move it along, mate!"
"Right, sorry," said Naruto, realizing he'd stopped and was blocking people from using the fireplace. He moved away from the fireplace despite looking in all directions as much as possible.
"First time in Diagon Alley, eh?" asked Charity. "Hmmm. I suppose it might be a bit overwhelming if you don't know what to expect."
"Uhm, yeah, so what do we do first?" asked Naruto.
"First, the wand. I've heard your form of magic doesn't require one, but you'll find that wands focus and direct the magic a lot more efficiently," said Charity. "Ollivander's is the best, so that's where we'll go."
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